Dr. Schär Institute

The new Quality Standard highlights five key areas including:
 

1. People at increased risk or with symptoms of coeliac disease are offered a serological test for coeliac disease
2. People with a positive serological test for coeliac disease are referred to a specialist and advised to continue with a gluten-containing diet until diagnosis is confirmed
3. People referred to a specialist who need an endoscopic intestinal biopsy to diagnose coeliac disease have it within six weeks of referral
4. People newly diagnosed with coeliac disease discuss how to follow a gluten-free diet with a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge of coeliac disease and healthcare professionals should help those who may need support to find suitable gluten-free food products on prescription to enable them to maintain a gluten-free diet
5. People with coeliac disease are offered an annual review and that healthcare professionals in socio-economically deprived areas agree a local approach to encourage attendance

The Quality Standard highlights the importance of equality and diversity considerations around access to gluten-free food on prescriptions for vulnerable patient groups. NICE advises that provision of support in maintaining a gluten-free diet should include consideration of vulnerabilities such as where there is more than one person with coeliac disease in the household, where mobility issues exist and those in lower socio-economic groups.  The Quality Standard also addresses the risk of widening health inequalities for those in deprived areas in relation to attendance at annual patient review.

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 expects CCGs to take Quality Standards into account in planning and delivering their services unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. The publication of this new Quality Standard reiterates the importance of improving diagnosis, management and support for this patient group.
 
Click here to read the full NICE Quality Standard